University of Iowa named nation's top party school

University on the list nine straight years

The University of Iowa has made the top party school list for nine straight years.

But this is the first time it’s been number one.

In the latest guide by the Princeton Review, Iowa moved up a spot from last year to be ranked the nation's top party school.

In a few short weeks, thousands of Hawkeyes will fill the streets of Iowa City, no doubt bragging about this newest distinction.

“I was proud of it when I was there, not so much now I guess,” said University of Iowa alumna Kathryn Guess.

The University of Iowa has been on the list of the Princeton Review's top party schools for nine straight years, an issue that caused current college students to choose other state universities.

“My daughter wanted to focus on her studies and found out that Iowa was the No. 1 party school, and touring Iowa State, Iowa and UNI, she chose UNI for the fact that it is focused on their studies,” said Gene Perkins.

A college-bound Des Moines East High School student knocked Iowa off her list of prospective schools after hearing about the schools top rank.

“For me, I’m focusing on school. I’m not here to just party and stuff, so Iowa, I’m going to look for somewhere else,” said Chamonteara Howard.

But other Iowans look past the matter, focusing on the school’s academic reputation.

“If my kids weren’t out of school I would highly recommend that they go to the University of Iowa,” said Becky Beach.

Claire Celsi, the chairwoman of the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Commission is disappointed with the outcome of the review claiming it focuses on subjective data such as rumors and social media.

“It’s unfortunate that these ranking systems come out every year because they’re not really based on the true numbers,” said Celsi.

The university and the city of Iowa City have collaborated to target binge drinking. Based on the university's student health survey, alcohol use is at its lowest level in 20 years. The study shows around three of four students have consumed alcohol in the past 30 days.

“It kind of makes me feel sad for the University of Iowa. They’re kind of getting picked on,” Celsi added.

The health survey also found that since 2009, the amount of students who use alcohol at least once a month has dropped nearly 10 percent.

The other schools in the top five are the University of California-Santa Barbara, the University of Illinois, West Virginia University, and Syracuse University.

Top 20 party schools 2013

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Photo: John P. Wise/WPBF

The Princeton Review released its annual college rankings, including a list of the Top 20 party schools in the nation for 2013. Find out if your alma mater is on the list!